Best value ultralight tents: Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo / Lunar Solo, Gossamer Gear The Two, REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 & MSR Freelite 2, Best high-end ultralight tents: ZPacks Duplex / Triplex, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 & UL3, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 & Slingfin Portal, Best budget ultralight tents: Six Moon Designs Haven Bundle, TarpTent Double rainbow, 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 & TarpTent MoTrail / Protrail, The REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 is an awesome value because its lightweight, packable, and has good headroom. It uses a tree-to-tree ridgeline or a pole to pitch the front of the tarp off the ground and a stake to secure the back of the tarp to the ground. Adjustable Prusik knot: (for trees) lets you attach your tent to the ridgeline.d. Material: Waterproof 15-denier silicone/polyurethane-coated Ultra-Sil Nano fabric, Size: 102 x 78 inches (55.25 square feet), Price:$199.95 for1-person$219.95 for 2-person. Lightweight backpacking video guides and reviews of the best ultralight tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, and more. ULTRALIGHT SINGLE-WALL SHELTER AT A VALUE PRICE, PROS: Durable, solid weather protection, easy to set up, 2 doors/vestibules, interior liner accessory cuts down on condensation, CONS: Tight space for 2 with little headroom, requires seam sealing to be waterproof, not as ventilated as others, BOTTOM LINE: The Tarptent Double Rainbow has a unique design that holds up well in high winds and heavy rain. If youre okay with a tighter interior or you often backpack solo, the UL2 is an excellent choice. post to help decide if you want to add one to your setup. Social media is great, but our bi-weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. We do not do sponsored or paid posts. If you need a shelter for two or youre solo and like a little extra living space, go with the MoTrail. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 
We typically prefer the extra space of The Two, but The One is great for solo hikers who want to go lighter.
Tarps also are among the lightest shelters you can stuff into your pack.
BOTTOM LINE: The Gossamer Gear The Two is one of the lightest tents on our list, and its amazingly comfortable inside for being so minimal. The design of this tent lends itself to some interior condensation issues, so we its not our first choice for trips in places with particularly humid and wet weather. It is a rugged fabric often used on the floor and rainfly of a tent. We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. It takes practice, more practice, and some more practice. DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 88 x 52/42 x 40 in. Hexagonal:Last but not least is the hexagonal tarp which falls in between the diagonal and the rectangular tarp. They require a fair amount of room to set up because of their broad base, but the extra protection they provide is worth their larger footprint. You can't 'cheat' by stretching the fabric to compensate for a ridgeline that is a bit too slack. - The Raven Omni Bivy is wide and long enough for thicker sleeping pads like the NeoAir line from Therm-a-Rest. The lean-to tarp takes the basic design of the A-frame and cuts it in half. We put these tents on our own scale to give you an accurate reading of how they stack up against each other. The tarp alone provides ample protection from the elements, but we recommend purchasing the Full Mesh Insert if you want some extra defense against bugs and muddy gear. RIDICULOUSLY LIGHTWEIGHT TENT WITH AMPLE HEADROOM, DIMENSIONS (L x W x H) : 84 x 48/42 x 43 in. The rainbow shape of this tent cuts out some head room, but is really effective at preventing rain from pooling up on top of your tent. It is moderately difficult to pitch because it requires a ridgeline, three paracord prusik loops and a rectangle tarp with lots of tie-out points. This design makes choosing a camp spot much easier, and setup is a lot quicker than many other ultralight tents. Hiking poles or paddles (if packrafting) work as well.2. 
This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. The large vestibules are designed to open completely without disturbing the structure of the tent, so you can have similar ventilation and view benefits of a double-wall tent. As its name implies, the stealth tarp is a low-profile setup ideal for stealth camping. The tarp is available in either a less expensive silynylon version or a Dyneema version that costs $50 more but cuts the weight in half. The downside is that increasing water protection reduces breathability and allows condensation to collect inside your bivy. ULTRALIGHT SEMI-FREESTANDING TENT WITH A GOOD BALANCE OF LOW WEIGHT & LIVABILITY, PROS: Good value, durable, two doors/vestibules, good space for a solo hiker, excellent pockets, rainfly gutter prevents drippy entry, CONS: Semi-freestanding, a little tight for two. Check out our full review of the Portal here. The other side of the tarp folds over the ridgeline and is held taut using guylines.
The bunker is a low shelter that wraps you in your tarp along three sides. The tarp comes as a complete package with adjustable tie-outs and stakes. The Net Tent is hung from the tarp instead of being supported by the poles which makes it easy to set the tarp up first in bad weather. Tyvek Ground Cloth (4.5 x 8, 8 oz.) The Silwing is a 6-sided tarp with a catenary cut that protects you from the elements. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. SHAPES:Rectangle, diamond and hexagonal tarps - what's the difference? Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. It has two doors, two large vestibules, and a very small packed size. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? MINIMUM TRAIL WEIGHT - When researching tents, youll likely notice a few different specs listed for weight and it can get a little confusing. One of our favorite things about this tent is that you can adjust the tension on the straps from the inside - no more getting out of your tent in the rain to adjust sil-nylon sag. Its quick and easy to pitch - even if youre solo, and the setup provides a generous amount of headroom. PROS: Affordable, good headroom, 2 doors/vestibules, CONS: Not as durable, not as spacious as some, heavier than some, some seams need to be sealed for full waterproofing, condensation management necessary for single-wall tents. It requires two tie-outs per side.
The following ultralight tents didnt make our final list, but theyve still got a lot of good things going for them. If you want a tarp that is waterproof and durable, then look no further than the Hyperlite Mountain Gear flat tarp. The Zpacks Dyneema tarp is an ultralight backpacker's dream. Check out our full review of the Quarter Dome SL here. NEMO Hornet 2 - The Hornet is a roomy option for solo hikers. The tipi design is easy to set up, requiring just a ridgeline that attaches to one tie-out point on the tarp and a few stakes to secure the sides and back. Campaign Zero At the bare minimum, youll need -. Titanium Goat Raven Omni Bivy (6-7.2 oz.) (taller at head), PROS: Affordable, small packed size, doesnt require many stakes, durable, CONS: 1 door, not as spacious as some, can be difficult to pitch alone,requires seam sealing to be waterproof, condensation management necessary for single-wall tents. All these knots are explained and illustrated in the following post -How to Tie Knots: 11 Essential Knots for the Outdoors. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more.
With all the convenience features, like great pockets and a freestanding design, we think the Portal is one of the best lightweight freestanding backpacking tents on the market. The Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape is a pyramid tarp that you can wear as a rain jacket when it is not being used as a shelter.
Most durable & weather-worthy ultralight tents: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, Slingfin Portal & TarpTent Double rainbow, The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 is the only 4-season tent on our list, and it provides the best weather protection of any ultralight tent weve tested. This model has a drawcord hood, but doesn't have a net to keep the bugs out. Despite being so light, the Quarter Dome SL offers a good amount of living space for one and large vestibules for storage.
Polycro is a cheap ultralight option for use as floor with tarp tents like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2. Lightweight groundsheets are near essential for use with tarps and bivvies. We've put together this guide to help you understand the different tarp tent configurations and find the one that's right for you. Livability and low weight usually trump cost in our books since we do a lot of backpacking, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our top picks below. The Ultamid is the only 4-season tent on our list, and the pyramid shape provides excellent protection from wind, rain, and snow. FOOTPRINTS/GROUNDSHEETS - Most tents dont come with a footprint, and many ultralight backpackers view them as unnecessary. Like the A-frame, the lean-to is easy to pitch, but it is very open. We sometimes bring a 2-person tent for solo adventures because theres more wiggle room, and we like the convenience of two doors and vestibules. It provides plenty of protection from the elements but can be short on space. Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. After all, youre going to be using tent stakes with your tent, right? Your tent will provide the most protection when all guyout points are staked taut, and you should make sure any vents are propped open at night to help with condensation. When shopping for tarps, you'll want to consider the dimension, weight, material, and shape of the tarp to ensure you get the best taro to suit your needs. They are outstanding shelters in exposed areas where there is little to no vegetation. Some manufacturers may even exaggerate how light a tent is to make it seem more appealing. It's not the roomiest shelter, but what you lose in comfort you gain in weight savings. This openness also means you won't have as much protection from the elements. The A-frame extends the tarp to its maximum width allowing you to fit two or more people and their gear. There are three common shapes used by tarp manufacturers - rectangular, diamond-shaped and hexagonal. The SlingFin Portal provides excellent headroom and weather protection. A backpacking tent will be among the heaviest items you carry on backcountry adventures. The DCF material makes these tents pretty expensive, but its also why theyre so light, fully waterproof, durable, and dont sag when wet. The headspace configuration provides plenty of space for a small group. Material: DCF8 Dyneema Composite Fabrics. They're usually only slightly larger than your sleeping bag, but they can actually be quite comfortable if you dont mind tight spaces.
It's not a complicated shelter to build, but it requires a lot of hardware including a tree-to-tree ridgeline, up to six stakes and two additional guylines. This comes at no extra cost to you. BEST ULTRALIGHT 1-PERSON TENTS - 1-Person tents usually have only one door/vestibule and can be a pretty tight fit, but weigh next to nothing and are very compact. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. The full net hood option is a great option for ventilation and it's worth the extra cost and weight. Weve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living. Montbell Breeze Dri-Tech UL Sleeping Bag Cover. Non-freestanding tents, like the Gossamer Gear The Two, use trekking poles and guylines for a full pitch. Nothing more. That said, we still think the MoTrail and ProTrail are solid tents for ultralight backpackers on a budget. Shes hiked thousands of miles on trails across America, including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, and the Long Trail. It is great in inclement weather, but it is difficult and time-consuming to pitch so you'll need to practice this one at home. There are many different ways to pitch a tarp. Plan B:some backpackers carry a tarp as a Plan B emergency shelter and only use it when they cant reach a shelter or conditions are terrible for cowboy camping. You also can add an Echo mesh insert for added protection from rain and pesky bugs. Check out our Do You Really Need a Footprint? Its very similar to the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo, but its a little smaller, heavier, and less durable. BOTTOM LINE: The Six Moon Designs Haven Bundle is one of the best value tents on this list. Were proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. The featherlight Ultamid 2 is an absolutely enormous pyramid tarp that comfortably shelters two people and their gear. Compare this to the average 2 lb one man ultralight tents. Most spacious ultralight tents: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, ZPacks Triplex, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 & Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo, The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo has ample room inside for a couple of hikers and thier gear. Ensure the tarp includes tie-out points on the edges for guylines and trekking pole tips. Unfortunately, there is no required set standard for measuring tent weights across the industry, but here are some tips to help you decipher all the numbers: Measured weight - As you look through our top backpacking tent picks youll see that we list measured weights. Survival:some survivalists and preppers like to understand bushcraft fundamentals and tarp designs in the case of a doomsday scenario. Dyneema shelters are generally double the price. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. These affordable shelters can be a bit difficult to set up solo, but the lack of poles and stake-out points make them some of the lightest and most compact tents on our list. They're built for spring, summer, and fall trips where youll need to keep bad weather out while promoting ventilation, which helps keep interior condensation to a minimum. ALSO, KNOW YOUR KNOTS: To secure the tarp, you'll need to brush up on your knot tying. Rectangle:The rectangular tarp is your standard Walmart tarp usually with three or so tie-outs per side. It is lighter than a rectangular tarp because the hexagonal cut saves on fabric. The Solomid is compact and provides good weather protection. If you found this guide helpful, please give it a share on social media! We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. We prefer the HMG Ultamid 2 because its larger, easier to set up, and the DCF material doesnt sag when wet. If you're tough on gear and don't want to deal with lightweight materials, we recommend going with one of our heavier picks and/or adding a footprint to increase the durability of your tent floor.
This post may contain affiliate links. Weve put the Lunar Duo through the wringer on multiple thru-hikes, and it held up like a champ in all kinds of conditions. The Lunar Solo is our top pick for solo hikers. We typically dont prefer this style because theyre far more expensive than polycro or Tyvek and are often heavier. It's a versatile tarp with loop lash points along the edges, reinforced corner grommets and quick-attach guylines that make it easy to get a tight pitch. The semi-freestanding design requires a little more time to set up, but the bulk and weight savings is worth it in our opinion. There arefour shelter scenarios that people typically use tarp shelters: 1. The Omni's materials are highly water resistant and breathable to reduce condensation. You never know, one of these tents might be perfect for you: Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL - Ultralight pyramid tarp thats much more affordable than other mids. Taut-line hitch:(for any tieout) ideal for guylines. Once pitched, it holds up well against the elements thanks to the groundsheet. A rock or stakes to secure the guylines to the ground. Check our full Lunar Solo review here. Interior condensation buildup can be frustrating in single-wall tents during cold, rainy weather, so we really love that Tarptent gives the option to add an interior liner to help keep water from dripping on you and your gear. WEIGHT: how much does an ultralight tarp tent weigh? Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail. Trees. Material: 0 .51 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric. You can fit a lot of people underneath the tarp and can cook or use a fire, but you are very exposed to the elements. This means you may have to re-tension the guylines during sustained bouts of heavy rain. The mesh inner-tent acts as a barrier from condensation that forms on the inside of the rainfly. If you do a lot of backpacking in soggy climates, the Double Rainbow is a great tent at a value price for two hikers, The NEMO Hornet 2P is a very comfortable shelter for a solo hiker. There should be a minimum of four tie-out points, one for each corner (the more the better). You really want to ensure that you leave adequate surface area to cover your person. It is moderately challenging to pitch as well. It comes with a tarp and an inner net that can be used together for a full tent setup, or separately to save weight and adapt to conditions. BOTTOM LINE: So many ultralight tents save weight by cutting out living space, but thats not Hyperlite Mountain Gears style. EXCEPTIONALLY LIGHTWEIGHT, WELL-BUILT, SPACIOUS & STURDY, DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 85 x 51/42 x 44 in. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. If youre an ultralight backpacker or a long distance thru-hiker, an ultralight tent is one of the easiest ways to cut weight and lighten your load. They can be purchased or easily constructed from online retailers or your local hardware store. Best ultralight 1-person tents: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo, Zpacks Plex Solo & Gossamer Gear The One, The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is our favorite 1-person tent because its spacious, lightweight, and it packs down small, PROS: Ultralight, 2 doors/vestibules, ample space for two (Triplex), DCF material wont sag when wet or soak up water, trekking poles can double as tent poles, seams are factory-taped, CONS: Expensive, condensation management necessary for single-wall tents. DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 107 x 83 x 64 in. Since its a bit less durable, we wouldnt recommend the Lanshan for a thru-hike, but the price cant be beat for couples and solo hikers on a budget. Having separate entrances will ensure that youre not climbing over a tentmate every time you want to get in or out of your tent. Were partial to the Duplex for solo hikes and the Triplex for more interior space when hiking with a partner. So get in the mix! The Bowline Knot | Centre for Life, Newcastle. MOST SPACIOUS AND WEATHER-WORTHY ULTRALIGHT TENT. Tarps are meant to be ultralight so look for ones that are under 1 lb.
PRICE - We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for a quality ultralight tent because we truly believe that a lighter backpack makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable trip. This is usually the most accurate measurement to consider. 11.8 oz. - Tyvek is another popular groundsheet material that is tough and highly water resistant, but its slightly heavier and bulkier than plastic groundsheet alternatives. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. If you think weve missed a product or got something wrong, wed love to hear your feedback. We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm. Montbell Breeze Dri-Tech UL Sleeping Bag Cover (6.3 - 8.3 oz) - The material of Montbells Dri-Tec Sleeping Bag Cover provides excellent waterproof protection for cold and wet trips. DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION - Sturdier tents that hold up in bad weather tend to weigh a bit more, but its worth it for the comfort and the years of enjoyment youll get. There is ample airflow in a tipi tarp so you will have few issues with condensation.
There is no right or wrong shape; the style you choose depends on your individual needs. Sil-nylon tends to sag when wet, so tents made with this material may need to be retensioned in rainy conditions. Tyvek is commonly used in home construction and you should be able to find it at your local hardware store. The Zpacks Triplex is our favorite ultralight tent for sleeping two hikers. WHAT YOU NEED TO SETUP:Make sure you have the necessary supplies before you pitch your tarp. It is cheaper than Dyneema which makes it attractive to those on a budget. Lightest ultralight tents: ZPacks Duplex, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 & Gossamer Gear The Two, Most durable ultralight tents: SlingFin Portal, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo, MSR Freelite 2 & Tarptent Double Rainbow, The Gossamer Gear The Two is amazingly light for the amount of space it offers. Its a bit heavier than the similar Gossamer Gear The Two and Zpacks Duplex, but this tent is one of the most spacious and livable tents on our list with plenty of room for two people and their gear. MATERIAL: what is the difference between Nylon and Dyneema? Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. One thing that makes the Lunar Duo unique is that the guylines can be retensioned from inside the tent, which is really convenient during rain. REI Flash Air 2 - This is REIs first entry into the super ultralight tent world. That said, the performance of the SL is excellent, the price is great, and the ventilation is on point. Provides a fixed loop at the end of your rope.b. It's a versatile tarp that can be set up with trekking poles or trees using the lightweight webbing loops and reinforced corner guyline points. You can even cook underneath it or have a small fire.
Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks. Extra space will add weight, so youll probably want to choose a lightweight tent to keep your backpack light. Act Blue - Bail Funds The Copper Spur is one of the few freestanding tents on our list. This measurement usually excludes tent stakes (unless your tent is semi-freestanding), guy lines, and stuff sacks. Twelve of those are on the perimeter and include LineLocks to make it easy to put tension on the lines. They are roomy on the inside, but the single door construction found on most pyramid tarps makes it challenging when you have more than one person. The classic A-frame is one of the quickest and easiest ways to configure a tarp. Check out our Tent Size Guide for more info on finding the right fit for you. It also works very well over a hammock. The Breeze also comes in a wide/long option that will be better for larger hikers. DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 82.5 x 43 x 49 in. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us: Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience. BOTTOM LINE: The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo is the best value tent on our list due to its excellent balance of space, weight, and durability. Its adjustable and wont slip when it is under tension. Weve spent hundreds of hours researching and backpacked thousands of miles trail-testing dozens of tents to put together this list of the very best ultralight tents on the market. Lighter weight tents will be more comfortable to carry for long hauls, but going with a slightly heavier tent usually means an increase in durability. It pairs well with the Thru-Hiker Mesh house which provides a ground cloth and mesh to protect you from bugs. The full net hood is a good option for increased breathability and visibility. Casey Handley is an avid outdoor adventurer and self-described gear nerd. Check out our full review of the Copper Spur HV UL2 here. 2. MEASURED WEIGHT (MOTRAIL): 2 lbs. This configuration uses a ridgeline and two guylines on each side to hang the tarp securely over the hammock. They are simple in design and only require a handful of gear to get set up. It has eight tie-out points, cord adjusters and reflective guylines that allow for a wide variety of configurations. Weve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. The tarp tent is ideal when you can't set up a ridgeline but still need a secure shelter. Thats especially true for those who hike with trekking poles because they can be attached to this tents frame for increased stability. Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. The headspace is very open to the elements, but the quick setup means you can adjust the angle and direction of the pitch with ease. It uses a ridgeline to support the center of the tarp, and stakes on the side to create the triangular shape ofaletter A. SETUP - Freestanding tents are generally preferable because theyre quicker and easier to pitch. The tarp has a rectangular cut and 16 tie-outs for maximum versatility. The vestibule of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 can unzip to be used as an awning. A handful of guylines around the sides stretch the tarp out, and several stakes fasten it down to the ground. Were lifelong learners and were always open to constructive criticism. It provides ample protection from the wind and rain and is relatively easy to pitch. It has 16 different tie-outs - four on the corner, two for the ridgeline, three on each long side and two on each wall. However, they can be challenging to pitch correctly. Its a nice option for hikers who arent quite ready to go non-freestanding, but ultimately we prefer the similar but roomier MSR Freelite 2 for an extra $10. The Haven Bundle is perfect for hikers on a budget who like having the versatility of a tarp and the option for protection with the net insert.
If you share your tent with another hiker, be sure to consider whether or not both sleeping pads will fit next to each other. That said, ultralight tents will literally last for thousands of miles if treated with care. Because the material of The Two and The One is pretty thin, it tends to stretch quite a bit in wet weather. Anchors. DOORS & VESTIBULES - If you plan on sleeping two people in your tent, it's more comfortable to have two doors and two vestibules. The hexagonal shape offers less protection than a rectangular tarp but more protection than a diamond.
We typically prefer the extra space of The Two, but The One is great for solo hikers who want to go lighter. Tarps also are among the lightest shelters you can stuff into your pack.
BOTTOM LINE: The Gossamer Gear The Two is one of the lightest tents on our list, and its amazingly comfortable inside for being so minimal. The design of this tent lends itself to some interior condensation issues, so we its not our first choice for trips in places with particularly humid and wet weather. It is a rugged fabric often used on the floor and rainfly of a tent. We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. It takes practice, more practice, and some more practice. DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 88 x 52/42 x 40 in. Hexagonal:Last but not least is the hexagonal tarp which falls in between the diagonal and the rectangular tarp. They require a fair amount of room to set up because of their broad base, but the extra protection they provide is worth their larger footprint. You can't 'cheat' by stretching the fabric to compensate for a ridgeline that is a bit too slack. - The Raven Omni Bivy is wide and long enough for thicker sleeping pads like the NeoAir line from Therm-a-Rest. The lean-to tarp takes the basic design of the A-frame and cuts it in half. We put these tents on our own scale to give you an accurate reading of how they stack up against each other. The tarp alone provides ample protection from the elements, but we recommend purchasing the Full Mesh Insert if you want some extra defense against bugs and muddy gear. RIDICULOUSLY LIGHTWEIGHT TENT WITH AMPLE HEADROOM, DIMENSIONS (L x W x H) : 84 x 48/42 x 43 in. The rainbow shape of this tent cuts out some head room, but is really effective at preventing rain from pooling up on top of your tent. It is moderately difficult to pitch because it requires a ridgeline, three paracord prusik loops and a rectangle tarp with lots of tie-out points. This design makes choosing a camp spot much easier, and setup is a lot quicker than many other ultralight tents. Hiking poles or paddles (if packrafting) work as well.2. This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. The large vestibules are designed to open completely without disturbing the structure of the tent, so you can have similar ventilation and view benefits of a double-wall tent. As its name implies, the stealth tarp is a low-profile setup ideal for stealth camping. The tarp is available in either a less expensive silynylon version or a Dyneema version that costs $50 more but cuts the weight in half. The downside is that increasing water protection reduces breathability and allows condensation to collect inside your bivy. ULTRALIGHT SEMI-FREESTANDING TENT WITH A GOOD BALANCE OF LOW WEIGHT & LIVABILITY, PROS: Good value, durable, two doors/vestibules, good space for a solo hiker, excellent pockets, rainfly gutter prevents drippy entry, CONS: Semi-freestanding, a little tight for two. Check out our full review of the Portal here. The other side of the tarp folds over the ridgeline and is held taut using guylines. The bunker is a low shelter that wraps you in your tarp along three sides. The tarp comes as a complete package with adjustable tie-outs and stakes. The Net Tent is hung from the tarp instead of being supported by the poles which makes it easy to set the tarp up first in bad weather. Tyvek Ground Cloth (4.5 x 8, 8 oz.) The Silwing is a 6-sided tarp with a catenary cut that protects you from the elements. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. SHAPES:Rectangle, diamond and hexagonal tarps - what's the difference? Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. It has two doors, two large vestibules, and a very small packed size. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? MINIMUM TRAIL WEIGHT - When researching tents, youll likely notice a few different specs listed for weight and it can get a little confusing. One of our favorite things about this tent is that you can adjust the tension on the straps from the inside - no more getting out of your tent in the rain to adjust sil-nylon sag. Its quick and easy to pitch - even if youre solo, and the setup provides a generous amount of headroom. PROS: Affordable, good headroom, 2 doors/vestibules, CONS: Not as durable, not as spacious as some, heavier than some, some seams need to be sealed for full waterproofing, condensation management necessary for single-wall tents. It requires two tie-outs per side.
The following ultralight tents didnt make our final list, but theyve still got a lot of good things going for them. If you want a tarp that is waterproof and durable, then look no further than the Hyperlite Mountain Gear flat tarp. The Zpacks Dyneema tarp is an ultralight backpacker's dream. Check out our full review of the Quarter Dome SL here. NEMO Hornet 2 - The Hornet is a roomy option for solo hikers. The tipi design is easy to set up, requiring just a ridgeline that attaches to one tie-out point on the tarp and a few stakes to secure the sides and back. Campaign Zero At the bare minimum, youll need -. Titanium Goat Raven Omni Bivy (6-7.2 oz.) (taller at head), PROS: Affordable, small packed size, doesnt require many stakes, durable, CONS: 1 door, not as spacious as some, can be difficult to pitch alone,requires seam sealing to be waterproof, condensation management necessary for single-wall tents. All these knots are explained and illustrated in the following post -How to Tie Knots: 11 Essential Knots for the Outdoors. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. With all the convenience features, like great pockets and a freestanding design, we think the Portal is one of the best lightweight freestanding backpacking tents on the market. The Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape is a pyramid tarp that you can wear as a rain jacket when it is not being used as a shelter.
Most durable & weather-worthy ultralight tents: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, Slingfin Portal & TarpTent Double rainbow, The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 is the only 4-season tent on our list, and it provides the best weather protection of any ultralight tent weve tested. This model has a drawcord hood, but doesn't have a net to keep the bugs out. Despite being so light, the Quarter Dome SL offers a good amount of living space for one and large vestibules for storage.
Polycro is a cheap ultralight option for use as floor with tarp tents like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2. Lightweight groundsheets are near essential for use with tarps and bivvies. We've put together this guide to help you understand the different tarp tent configurations and find the one that's right for you. Livability and low weight usually trump cost in our books since we do a lot of backpacking, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our top picks below. The Ultamid is the only 4-season tent on our list, and the pyramid shape provides excellent protection from wind, rain, and snow. FOOTPRINTS/GROUNDSHEETS - Most tents dont come with a footprint, and many ultralight backpackers view them as unnecessary. Like the A-frame, the lean-to is easy to pitch, but it is very open. We sometimes bring a 2-person tent for solo adventures because theres more wiggle room, and we like the convenience of two doors and vestibules. It provides plenty of protection from the elements but can be short on space. Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. After all, youre going to be using tent stakes with your tent, right? Your tent will provide the most protection when all guyout points are staked taut, and you should make sure any vents are propped open at night to help with condensation. When shopping for tarps, you'll want to consider the dimension, weight, material, and shape of the tarp to ensure you get the best taro to suit your needs. They are outstanding shelters in exposed areas where there is little to no vegetation. Some manufacturers may even exaggerate how light a tent is to make it seem more appealing. It's not the roomiest shelter, but what you lose in comfort you gain in weight savings. This openness also means you won't have as much protection from the elements. The A-frame extends the tarp to its maximum width allowing you to fit two or more people and their gear. There are three common shapes used by tarp manufacturers - rectangular, diamond-shaped and hexagonal. The SlingFin Portal provides excellent headroom and weather protection. A backpacking tent will be among the heaviest items you carry on backcountry adventures. The DCF material makes these tents pretty expensive, but its also why theyre so light, fully waterproof, durable, and dont sag when wet. The headspace configuration provides plenty of space for a small group. Material: DCF8 Dyneema Composite Fabrics. They're usually only slightly larger than your sleeping bag, but they can actually be quite comfortable if you dont mind tight spaces.
It's not a complicated shelter to build, but it requires a lot of hardware including a tree-to-tree ridgeline, up to six stakes and two additional guylines. This comes at no extra cost to you. BEST ULTRALIGHT 1-PERSON TENTS - 1-Person tents usually have only one door/vestibule and can be a pretty tight fit, but weigh next to nothing and are very compact. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. The full net hood option is a great option for ventilation and it's worth the extra cost and weight. Weve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living. Montbell Breeze Dri-Tech UL Sleeping Bag Cover. Non-freestanding tents, like the Gossamer Gear The Two, use trekking poles and guylines for a full pitch. Nothing more. That said, we still think the MoTrail and ProTrail are solid tents for ultralight backpackers on a budget. Shes hiked thousands of miles on trails across America, including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, and the Long Trail. It is great in inclement weather, but it is difficult and time-consuming to pitch so you'll need to practice this one at home. There are many different ways to pitch a tarp. Plan B:some backpackers carry a tarp as a Plan B emergency shelter and only use it when they cant reach a shelter or conditions are terrible for cowboy camping. You also can add an Echo mesh insert for added protection from rain and pesky bugs. Check out our Do You Really Need a Footprint? Its very similar to the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo, but its a little smaller, heavier, and less durable. BOTTOM LINE: The Six Moon Designs Haven Bundle is one of the best value tents on this list. Were proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. The featherlight Ultamid 2 is an absolutely enormous pyramid tarp that comfortably shelters two people and their gear. Compare this to the average 2 lb one man ultralight tents. Most spacious ultralight tents: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, ZPacks Triplex, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 & Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo, The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo has ample room inside for a couple of hikers and thier gear. Ensure the tarp includes tie-out points on the edges for guylines and trekking pole tips. Unfortunately, there is no required set standard for measuring tent weights across the industry, but here are some tips to help you decipher all the numbers: Measured weight - As you look through our top backpacking tent picks youll see that we list measured weights. Survival:some survivalists and preppers like to understand bushcraft fundamentals and tarp designs in the case of a doomsday scenario. Dyneema shelters are generally double the price. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. These affordable shelters can be a bit difficult to set up solo, but the lack of poles and stake-out points make them some of the lightest and most compact tents on our list. They're built for spring, summer, and fall trips where youll need to keep bad weather out while promoting ventilation, which helps keep interior condensation to a minimum. ALSO, KNOW YOUR KNOTS: To secure the tarp, you'll need to brush up on your knot tying. Rectangle:The rectangular tarp is your standard Walmart tarp usually with three or so tie-outs per side. It is lighter than a rectangular tarp because the hexagonal cut saves on fabric. The Solomid is compact and provides good weather protection. If you found this guide helpful, please give it a share on social media! We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. We prefer the HMG Ultamid 2 because its larger, easier to set up, and the DCF material doesnt sag when wet. If you're tough on gear and don't want to deal with lightweight materials, we recommend going with one of our heavier picks and/or adding a footprint to increase the durability of your tent floor.
This post may contain affiliate links. Weve put the Lunar Duo through the wringer on multiple thru-hikes, and it held up like a champ in all kinds of conditions. The Lunar Solo is our top pick for solo hikers. We typically dont prefer this style because theyre far more expensive than polycro or Tyvek and are often heavier. It's a versatile tarp with loop lash points along the edges, reinforced corner grommets and quick-attach guylines that make it easy to get a tight pitch. The semi-freestanding design requires a little more time to set up, but the bulk and weight savings is worth it in our opinion. There arefour shelter scenarios that people typically use tarp shelters: 1. The Omni's materials are highly water resistant and breathable to reduce condensation. You never know, one of these tents might be perfect for you: Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL - Ultralight pyramid tarp thats much more affordable than other mids. Taut-line hitch:(for any tieout) ideal for guylines. Once pitched, it holds up well against the elements thanks to the groundsheet. A rock or stakes to secure the guylines to the ground. Check our full Lunar Solo review here. Interior condensation buildup can be frustrating in single-wall tents during cold, rainy weather, so we really love that Tarptent gives the option to add an interior liner to help keep water from dripping on you and your gear. WEIGHT: how much does an ultralight tarp tent weigh? Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail. Trees. Material: 0 .51 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric. You can fit a lot of people underneath the tarp and can cook or use a fire, but you are very exposed to the elements. This means you may have to re-tension the guylines during sustained bouts of heavy rain. The mesh inner-tent acts as a barrier from condensation that forms on the inside of the rainfly. If you do a lot of backpacking in soggy climates, the Double Rainbow is a great tent at a value price for two hikers, The NEMO Hornet 2P is a very comfortable shelter for a solo hiker. There should be a minimum of four tie-out points, one for each corner (the more the better). You really want to ensure that you leave adequate surface area to cover your person. It is moderately challenging to pitch as well. It comes with a tarp and an inner net that can be used together for a full tent setup, or separately to save weight and adapt to conditions. BOTTOM LINE: So many ultralight tents save weight by cutting out living space, but thats not Hyperlite Mountain Gears style. EXCEPTIONALLY LIGHTWEIGHT, WELL-BUILT, SPACIOUS & STURDY, DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 85 x 51/42 x 44 in. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. If youre an ultralight backpacker or a long distance thru-hiker, an ultralight tent is one of the easiest ways to cut weight and lighten your load. They can be purchased or easily constructed from online retailers or your local hardware store. Best ultralight 1-person tents: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo, Zpacks Plex Solo & Gossamer Gear The One, The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is our favorite 1-person tent because its spacious, lightweight, and it packs down small, PROS: Ultralight, 2 doors/vestibules, ample space for two (Triplex), DCF material wont sag when wet or soak up water, trekking poles can double as tent poles, seams are factory-taped, CONS: Expensive, condensation management necessary for single-wall tents. DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 107 x 83 x 64 in. Since its a bit less durable, we wouldnt recommend the Lanshan for a thru-hike, but the price cant be beat for couples and solo hikers on a budget. Having separate entrances will ensure that youre not climbing over a tentmate every time you want to get in or out of your tent. Were partial to the Duplex for solo hikes and the Triplex for more interior space when hiking with a partner. So get in the mix! The Bowline Knot | Centre for Life, Newcastle. MOST SPACIOUS AND WEATHER-WORTHY ULTRALIGHT TENT. Tarps are meant to be ultralight so look for ones that are under 1 lb.
PRICE - We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for a quality ultralight tent because we truly believe that a lighter backpack makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable trip. This is usually the most accurate measurement to consider. 11.8 oz. - Tyvek is another popular groundsheet material that is tough and highly water resistant, but its slightly heavier and bulkier than plastic groundsheet alternatives. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. If you think weve missed a product or got something wrong, wed love to hear your feedback. We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm. Montbell Breeze Dri-Tech UL Sleeping Bag Cover (6.3 - 8.3 oz) - The material of Montbells Dri-Tec Sleeping Bag Cover provides excellent waterproof protection for cold and wet trips. DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION - Sturdier tents that hold up in bad weather tend to weigh a bit more, but its worth it for the comfort and the years of enjoyment youll get. There is ample airflow in a tipi tarp so you will have few issues with condensation.
There is no right or wrong shape; the style you choose depends on your individual needs. Sil-nylon tends to sag when wet, so tents made with this material may need to be retensioned in rainy conditions. Tyvek is commonly used in home construction and you should be able to find it at your local hardware store. The Zpacks Triplex is our favorite ultralight tent for sleeping two hikers. WHAT YOU NEED TO SETUP:Make sure you have the necessary supplies before you pitch your tarp. It is cheaper than Dyneema which makes it attractive to those on a budget. Lightest ultralight tents: ZPacks Duplex, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 & Gossamer Gear The Two, Most durable ultralight tents: SlingFin Portal, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo, MSR Freelite 2 & Tarptent Double Rainbow, The Gossamer Gear The Two is amazingly light for the amount of space it offers. Its a bit heavier than the similar Gossamer Gear The Two and Zpacks Duplex, but this tent is one of the most spacious and livable tents on our list with plenty of room for two people and their gear. MATERIAL: what is the difference between Nylon and Dyneema? Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. One thing that makes the Lunar Duo unique is that the guylines can be retensioned from inside the tent, which is really convenient during rain. REI Flash Air 2 - This is REIs first entry into the super ultralight tent world. That said, the performance of the SL is excellent, the price is great, and the ventilation is on point. Provides a fixed loop at the end of your rope.b. It's a versatile tarp that can be set up with trekking poles or trees using the lightweight webbing loops and reinforced corner guyline points. You can even cook underneath it or have a small fire.
Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks. Extra space will add weight, so youll probably want to choose a lightweight tent to keep your backpack light. Act Blue - Bail Funds The Copper Spur is one of the few freestanding tents on our list. This measurement usually excludes tent stakes (unless your tent is semi-freestanding), guy lines, and stuff sacks. Twelve of those are on the perimeter and include LineLocks to make it easy to put tension on the lines. They are roomy on the inside, but the single door construction found on most pyramid tarps makes it challenging when you have more than one person. The classic A-frame is one of the quickest and easiest ways to configure a tarp. Check out our Tent Size Guide for more info on finding the right fit for you. It also works very well over a hammock. The Breeze also comes in a wide/long option that will be better for larger hikers. DIMENSIONS (L x W x H): 82.5 x 43 x 49 in. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us: Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience. BOTTOM LINE: The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo is the best value tent on our list due to its excellent balance of space, weight, and durability. Its adjustable and wont slip when it is under tension. Weve spent hundreds of hours researching and backpacked thousands of miles trail-testing dozens of tents to put together this list of the very best ultralight tents on the market. Lighter weight tents will be more comfortable to carry for long hauls, but going with a slightly heavier tent usually means an increase in durability. It pairs well with the Thru-Hiker Mesh house which provides a ground cloth and mesh to protect you from bugs. The full net hood is a good option for increased breathability and visibility. Casey Handley is an avid outdoor adventurer and self-described gear nerd. Check out our full review of the Copper Spur HV UL2 here. 2. MEASURED WEIGHT (MOTRAIL): 2 lbs. This configuration uses a ridgeline and two guylines on each side to hang the tarp securely over the hammock. They are simple in design and only require a handful of gear to get set up. It has eight tie-out points, cord adjusters and reflective guylines that allow for a wide variety of configurations. Weve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. The tarp tent is ideal when you can't set up a ridgeline but still need a secure shelter. Thats especially true for those who hike with trekking poles because they can be attached to this tents frame for increased stability. Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. The headspace is very open to the elements, but the quick setup means you can adjust the angle and direction of the pitch with ease. It uses a ridgeline to support the center of the tarp, and stakes on the side to create the triangular shape ofaletter A. SETUP - Freestanding tents are generally preferable because theyre quicker and easier to pitch. The tarp has a rectangular cut and 16 tie-outs for maximum versatility. The vestibule of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 can unzip to be used as an awning. A handful of guylines around the sides stretch the tarp out, and several stakes fasten it down to the ground. Were lifelong learners and were always open to constructive criticism. It provides ample protection from the wind and rain and is relatively easy to pitch. It has 16 different tie-outs - four on the corner, two for the ridgeline, three on each long side and two on each wall. However, they can be challenging to pitch correctly. Its a nice option for hikers who arent quite ready to go non-freestanding, but ultimately we prefer the similar but roomier MSR Freelite 2 for an extra $10. The Haven Bundle is perfect for hikers on a budget who like having the versatility of a tarp and the option for protection with the net insert.
If you share your tent with another hiker, be sure to consider whether or not both sleeping pads will fit next to each other. That said, ultralight tents will literally last for thousands of miles if treated with care. Because the material of The Two and The One is pretty thin, it tends to stretch quite a bit in wet weather. Anchors. DOORS & VESTIBULES - If you plan on sleeping two people in your tent, it's more comfortable to have two doors and two vestibules. The hexagonal shape offers less protection than a rectangular tarp but more protection than a diamond.